Not to worry, the PSO is thriving; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 3/19/15

Micah Howard, Dick Simmons, and Jim Wilkinson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Not to worry, the PSO is thriving:

"A number of the survey’s more sweeping conclusions — “classical music is swiftly losing its audience” — simply cannot be credibly made based on the statistically and demographically limited group W-5 surveyed. In fact, a number of other studies from the past 10 years, including an extensive and highly regarded one done by the Knight Foundation, have noted a continued strong interest in classical music in today’s society, both here in Pittsburgh and nationally. This is borne out by the numerous orchestras in this region and nationwide that are enjoying great success in drawing larger (and newer) audiences to hear classical music. For example, symphony orchestras in Cincinnati (mentioned in the article), Indianapolis, Buffalo and Detroit all reported healthy gains in numbers of classical music attendees in 2014...

We value our subscribers and donors, taking time and care with them to ensure they are appreciated. We are constantly reviewing our strategies to increase sales: customized promotional plans for every concert; new website and social media approaches; new ways of connecting with our audience, such as our recent media-day recordings which will air in the months ahead.

We also are building new relationships with our audiences through new ventures such as our Sensory Friendly concert, and enhancing the profile of our orchestra through new audience/​musician experiences — for example, the Classical BBQs in the summer.

We are not “stuffy.” We are diverse and open: from Mason Bates to Igudesman & Joo, from Emmanuel Ax to Randy Newman, from Beethoven symphony cycles to concerts out and about in the heart of our community in August and September."